Body style: Convertible (spider/spyder, cabrio/cabriolet, drop/open/soft top)
Segment: Roadster & Convertible
Production years: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
The glorious BMW 507 is like the Phoenix bird that reborn in the shape of this magnificent roadster named Z8. It is one of the most beautiful homage-cars ever made and, certainly, is the biggest homage production vehicle built by the German carmaker.
First, it was shown as a concept car in 1997 at the Tokyo Motor Show bearing the name Z07. But the final name was Z8. It was a 2-seat luxury roadster. The kind of vehicle someone will buy to enjoy the road, not the destination.
The design is a mix of the long hood, small cabin, and short rear end. The front fascia features a different design for the grille with large, rather than tall, BMW-kidneys. The theme inspiration was, obviously, the magic 507 roadster from 1956-1959. The side vents from the front fenders are inspired by the same historic vehicle.
Under the hood was the best engine BMW had at that time, the 4.9-liter V8 unit from the E39 BMW M5. It offered 400 hp and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque and it was mated to a 6-speed manual. The rear axle was equipped with an LSD for better sprints. Its performance was matched only by its luxurious interior, with leather, aluminum, and wood. It was the car that stole the show when it was launched. One of the best designs ever made by a team of designers leads by Chris Bangle.
ENGINE SPECS - 4.9l V8 6MT (400 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V8 |
Displacement: | 4941 cm3 |
Power: | 294 KW @ 6600 RPM 400 HP @ 6600 RPM 394 BHP @ 6600 RPM |
Torque: | 369 lb-ft @ 3800 RPM 500 Nm @ 3800 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 155.3 mph (250 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 4.7 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | Manual, 6 Speed |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | Front: 245/45 R18W - Rear: 275/40 R18W - Rear |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 173.2 in (4399 mm) |
Width: | 72 in (1829 mm) |
Height: | 51.9 in (1318 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 61.1/61.7 in (1,552/1,567 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 98.6 in (2504 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 7.2 cuFT (204 L) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3505.3 lbs (1590 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4188.8 lbs (1900 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 11.1 mpg US (21.2 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 22.2 mpg US (10.6 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 16.2 mpg US (14.5 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 349 g/km |